(Brookville, IN)—The Franklin County Public Library District recently purchased the home of John Newman, located at 912 Main Street.
This historic, two-story brick building will eventually house the library’s Local History and Genealogy Department, as the need for additional space has become more prevalent.
“Under Julie Schlesselman’s leadership, our Local History and Genealogy Department has grown both in reputation and in volume,” said FCPLD Director, Susan Knight. “Our community has generously donated books, photographs, diaries, family research documents, and more including significant-sized collections from Ed Baker and Don Dunaway. Along with the Indiana Album, the Indiana State Library, and the Allen County Public Library, we were gifted with a select portion of Mr. Newman’s papers, books, and ephemera. Mr. Newman’s collection alone filled Brookville’s upper study room. It is a collection that will take months to years to catalog.”
The home was purchased at auction on May 2 for $290,000. Libraries are unique government entities that can save revenue for future use. The FCPLD, under the diligent care of the library board, has been saving funds to be put toward future growth. The Newman House was purchased with those saved funds, and there will be no tax increase.
This spacious building will provide needed storage space as well as offer an inviting workspace for our patrons who travel near and far for historical research. Other display and programming ideas are currently being evaluated.
This residence, aptly named “The Judiciary” by Mr. Newman, was home to several judges and is a perfect marriage with our Local History and Genealogy Department. Mr. Newman was able to preserve the original integrity of this residence for many years, and the library intends to be a good steward and uphold that legacy.
“When Brookville Library’s 2018 annex was under construction, Mr. Newman teased that plans should have included a tunnel under Main Street to connect his house to the library,” said Knight. “At the time, it was a joke linked to traffic and inclement weather. Now, it feels like foresight we ignored.”
The library district is grateful to be able to make this purchase for this much-needed expansion and looks forward to sharing the progress we make as we move forward.